Dr Rimla Akhtar is that rare individual who has lived global business and elite sport. In 2014, she became the first Muslim and Asian woman on the FA Council and in 2015 was awarded an MBE. She holds a portfolio of strategic and boardroom roles with over 15 years’ experience in the sports industry across the UK, Middle East and Asia. She is a developer, communicator and strategist who ranked 14th in the 2018 Forbes global list of the Most Powerful Women in Sport.
Whilst carving out a successful career in the city at Pricewaterhouse Coopers, Rimla also captained Britain in Futsal competitions. She is Founder of the leading global sports consultancy, RimJhim Consulting, and chaired the Muslim Women’s Sport Foundation until December 2018 developing its global reputation for excellence. She is also co-founder of the global Muslim Women in Sport Network, a Board member of the Rugby Football League and Council member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland.
As a unique individual within the sports industry, she now shares her time between writing, speaking, mentoring, practical and strategic consultancy and campaigns. She independently advises and leads projects with governments, advocacy organisations, national and international sports bodies and community groups.
Janet Johnson is a chartered town planner by background, having specialised in regeneration and economic development in the North East of England. In a local government career spanning almost 40 years, Janet has enjoyed senior management positions for a number of councils.
She is an experienced board member, having served on the boards of a number of organisations in the education and development sectors. In addition to being a specialist in regeneration Janet is experienced in modernising local government, managing change and driving service improvement.
Janet was Chief Executive of the District of Easington Council from 2004 to 2009 before moving to Sunderland City Council as Deputy Chief Executive where she led the Council’s major regeneration programme.
These roles are remunerated at £265 per day. These reappointments have been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments, the process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. The Government’s Governance Code requires that any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years is declared. This is defined as holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation or candidature for election. Dr Akhtar and Ms Johnson have not declared any activity.
